Mumbai: An RTI activist has demanded that the Maharashtra government should cancel the amendments made in the state RTI Act as it may deter people from seeking information.

Athak Seva Sangh chairman Anil Galgali said one of the new rules stipulate that any request for information must not exceed 150 words, which may deter people, especially semi-literate and from underprivileged sections who lack concise drafting skills, to file RTI.

Amendments like one application-one subject could give discretionary powers to officials to deny information to the public, he said.

Stipulation of a single subject information request mater would give discretionary powers to PIOs to reject applications, result in disputes and delays in getting information, Galgali said.

He appealed to anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare to prevail upon the Maharashtra government to cancel the new rules in the state RTI Act.